Monday 12 September 2011

Hardanger - I did not make this!

The incredibly talented Umali over at Coffee Beans Dailies wrote a special post for me all about the Hardanger work she's done.  Go and see the post here.  Really, you should see it, it's stunning.
 
I'd decided to try some Hardanger (photos in a later post, I'm still working on it!) and had spotted some of Umali's work on her blog.  I asked her for close up photos and she obliged in a wonderful way!   There is so much more to Hardanger than I thought.  I thought it was a few basic stitches, white on white, but oh no!  I was wrong. 



She's posted several close up shots of this incredible piece of work, it really is beautiful and now I just want to learn to Hardanger properly!  Does anyone know of any resources/books where I can find out more about creating amazing pieces of work like this?

Umali, thank you so much, I really appreciate your post!

P.S., I'm not going to China next week anymore!  Work are really messing me around with this.  It looks like it might be in October now...

8 comments:

cauchy09 said...

i have always found hardanger and cutwork embroidery fascinating. but i also thought they'd be too hard for me to do...and full of danger.

can't wait to see what you're making!

Coffeebean's Dailies said...

Wendy! How did I miss you having a blog???? I'm so glad to find you here as well as in my inbox! I don't mind at all that you posted this and linked me! It is always nice to have visitors from all walks of life! I will do yet another post with the books that I have. It really is beautiful and I think the Americans or maybe the Western people have broken out of the mold of white on white or tonal (beige on beige, etc) and have used colors. It is very exciting and to cauchy09; to everyone, I would highly recommend u video each stitch and make a library so you don't forget should you be on your own and working on Hardanger. I am lucky to have several women here as resources. Yes, I DO forget the stitches!! I'm so pleased to have inspired you! How did you come to call me Umali? This is correct. This is what traditionally Arabs or how Arabs are to address a woman. Only my hubby's best friend calls me this. It means 'mother (um) of Ali (my son's name). Keep in touch!

Googy Girl said...

wow that looks amazing....
much more complex than i thought

Jillayne said...

Nordic Needle is a shop/mail order place in the US that has a fabulous selection of books and supplies. I have bought many from them and love them all.
Good luck with it, it is a beautiful technique!

Allie said...

Wow that is just gorgeous!!! I hope you find some good resources. Can't believe work is jerking your chain like that, hon...

Fiona said...

It's stunning work...

I am so sorry to hear you have had to put off your China trip.... aaargh....
Hugz

Chrissie said...

A beautiful piece of work, I love doing hardanger, especially with varigated threads. One little book for reference is The Anchor Book of Hardanger Embroidery, patterns and knowhow. Decorative Designs in Hardanger by Gina Marion and Hardanger embroidery by Jill Carter both have lovely projects and know how. Hope these ideas help

Holly U said...

I love to do hardanger! There are tricky stitches, but you may be amazed at how intricate your final piece can be just using fairly simple ones. Sadly, I just packed away most of my craft books in preparation for selling out house, or I'd run down and tell you my favorite titles. There are kits and patterns for bookmarks and ornaments so you can start small. (one of my books is mostly photos of old works, including a bedspread. A very intricate and heavily cut spread. I can't imagine how long it took to make that,much less what bed I'd trust putting it on!)